[PDF] REPATRIATION OF MORTAL REMAINS

41168_7repatraition_document.pdf

Patrick Deroose, RN

ichlc.org

REPATRIATION OF

MORTAL REMAINS

A Practical Guide for Managers of a Global Mobile Workforce 2019
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INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION

A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR MANAGERS OF A GLOBAL MOBILE WORKFORCE2019 REPATRIATION OF MORTAL REMAINS Repatriation of mortal remains (RMR) can be logistically challenging and emotionally taxing for those individuals charged with the task. If the process involves an organization (e.g., corporation, school, government) seamless coordination between multiple stakeholders, domestically and abroad, is paramount to a successful and timely outcome. In this whitepaper, Patrick Deroose, RN, outlines “best practices" in this unique space where he is considered a world subject matter expert. He has personally overseen thousands of RMRs around the world over the last three decades. The text that follows is based on his personal experiences; it is a meticulously detailed consolidation of his lists that also considers the welfare of the family of the deceased throughout. Patrick"s narrative is deliberately repetitive to emphasize to the reader the importance of every step. The report begins with a preparation “recipe," for any organization, regardless of industry sector. The process itself is complicated and he reinforces it with a checklist. He even addresses the multiple “misadventures" that are possible in the process! Such a humble and transparent approach reminds the reader that even after extensive planning and the best service delivery, unpredictable events can still occur.

Robert L. Quigley, MD, D.Phil,

Executive Chairman, ICHLC

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5 A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR MANAGERS OF A GLOBAL MOBILE WORKFORCE2019 REPATRIATION OF MORTAL REMAINS

STAKEHOLDER

PLANNING AND

AWARENESS

A.

HR Manager

1. Does the HR database contain up-to-date information such as changes on social status, next of kin, and religious beliefs? 2. Who will maintain communication with the family at home? 3. Does the organization have a policy of letting family travel to the site where the death occurred?

4. Does the organization have a policy on sending a non-family escort to accompany the remains (military practice)?

5. How many certied copies of the death certicate does the organization need?

6. Does the organization have an approved biography of key personnel, which can be released in case of media inquiry?

7. Does the organization at corporate level (HQ), regional, and site level have an up-to-date list of religious leaders appropriate for the population, who can be called upon 24/7?

8. Do you have to activate the Crisis Team Volunteers? 9. Questions for the bereaved family a. Who is the spokesperson for the family? b. Has the family identied a consignee funeral director near the selected burial site?

c. What is the family"s decision on burial or cremation in the event it is not indicated in the deceased"s will?

d. What type of casket is required? e. Where will the funeral service be held: at home or overseas? f. Are any specialized or personalized services required? g. Does a notice need to be placed in the media? h. Have the local authorities at home/in your local community been informed of the death?

i. Will money need to be withdrawn from the deceased"s bank account before access to that account is blocked?

j. Who will keep in contact with the embassy or consular oce overseas? k. Are the overseas embassy or consular oce prepared for any media questions? Beware of misunderstandings concerning grieving with all impacted. But when in doubt, seek

professional advice, e.g., medical director, EAP/IEAP provider — understanding the social fabric of the

family is essential.

REPATRIATION OF

MORTAL REMAINS:

STAKEHOLDER

PLANNING AND

AWARENESS

“I think you should come home" is something you hope that won"t happen to you, ever, and with the added distance between you, the loss sometimes hits you harder. (Dilara Earle May 11, 2015)

If there"s one lesson to know about the repatriation of mortal remains it is that planning is key. This

cannot be overstated. Like a well-tuned orchestra, each person must know their roles and responsibilities.

From the HR manager to the assistance provider, medical, security, travel, and public relations, it"s

necessary to practice for this delicate time and hold regular training drills that cover not only what can

be expected, but the unexpected as well. Document everything. And leave nothing up for question. For a successful outcome, all the stakeholders internally and externally must work in a coordinated

manner. This can only be achieved if the roles and responsibilities are clearly dened and documented.

Are current operating procedures synchronized with the procedures of the stakeholders (medical

department, nance, security, sales and marketing, communications, counselling services, and assistance

service providers)? Is there a plan to talk to the family? What about language barriers, customs forms,

and death certicates? So, with that framework, how is the body brought home? What are the necessary steps in this delicate operation?

We should begin with roles and responsibilities. The list below is a good starting point for getting

everyone on the same page. 6

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STAKEHOLDER

PLANNING AND

AWARENESS

B. Benets Manager

1. Is the repatriation covered under the company insurance policy? 2. Are there limits and sub-limits under the policy? 3. Is this incident covered under a workman"s compensation policy? 4. What kind of supporting documents does the insurer require?

C. Safety Manager

1. Was the death caused by or impacted by a safety issue? 2. Is documentation on the incident complete? 3. Does the death aect or potentially aect the operations of the work site or the company?

D. Organization Medical Director

1. Is a copy of the medical report from the hospital, including the imaging studies, needed? Beware

of exclusions under insurance policies. Beware of privacy and condentiality issues after death. 2. Is a copy of the autopsy report needed?

3. Is there a request for a secondary, private autopsy? Is there access to a private pathologist for a secondary autopsy? Is there cover for this secondary autopsy?

4. In case of death due to contagious disease, has the local Centers for Disease Control [and Prevention] (CDC) and/or local Department of Health been contacted? Are organizational hotline numbers for CDC up to date? Is there a protocol or practice to involve the safety manager in case of outbreak of contagious disease on the work site? 5. Is there a company sponsored Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or IEAP program, and how are they alerted?

6. Does the organization have a policy on managing requests from the descendant or next of kin for whole or partial body donation for medical research?

E. Organization Security Manager

1. How will portable communication devices that have both personal (private) and company condential data be handled?

2. Is there a designated person to gather the deceased"s personal belongings, make an inventory, and deliver them to either the oce or to the family? Also, is there a person responsible with international shipment regulations, including but not limited to, any applicable Dangerous Goods Acts, etc.?

3. Who will be dealing with rental cars, rental apartments, outstanding hotel bills, hospital bills, and potential legal

repercussions?

F. Family Members

1. Do they need to let travel/medical/workman"s compensation insurance company know of the death? a. This depends on the organizations" policy. b. There are, however, items and issues the family in most cases may have to handle themselves such as: i. Managing bank and loan accounts ii. Appointing a notary iii. Applying for social security benets iv. Transferring a car title v. Informing the accountant vi. Managing personal insurance policies vii. Paying taxes viii. etc.

What does insurance cover?

1. Depends on policy coverage under the “Terms & Conditions," e.g.: a. Repatriation costs b. Cost of family travel to incident site

IF THERE"S ONE

LESSON TO KNOW

ABOUT THE

REPATRIATION OF

MORTAL REMAINS

IT IS THAT

PLANNING IS KEY

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8A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR MANAGERS OF A GLOBAL MOBILE WORKFORCE2019 REPATRIATION OF MORTAL REMAINS

c. Funeral costs: which items are covered? d. Did the member buy separate funeral coverage? If so, does this coverage apply to overseas services and costs? e. Outstanding medical expenses f. Payment and attempt to le a claim 2. There may be exclusions: a. Pre-existing conditions, if enforceable b. Alcohol and drug use: is there a requirement for objective documentation? c. Suicide: is there a requirement for objective documentation? d. Not wearing helmet or seat belt: is this a legal requirement in the country, state/province? 3. There may be sub-limits: a. Casket or urn b. Transport to port of entry only c. Coverage of funeral services Is there a reason why the organization should pay for all or some of the expenses in the incident or are these non-covered expenses? Some things to consider: 1. Does the death need to be registered in the home country? a. The embassy or consular oce should be notied. Note that some countries may not have a diplomatic mission in the incident country and may rely on a correspondent mission for consular services. This mission may be out of the incident country, necessitating the transport of documents that will result in delays of the deceased"s return home.

b. In most countries the home death registry does not necessary have to be informed, since this would be done via diplomatic communication channels.

2. What can an embassy or consulate do or not do? a. Provide information and referrals: they do not recommend one provider over another b. If necessary, assist in identication of the body c. Assist with obtaining quarantine clearance in the home country d. They do not pay for services: e.g., translation, freight for personal belongings, etc. 3. How long does it take for the body to return home? a. Will investigations or legal matters slow the process? 4. Does the ight take passengers? a. Yes: combination cargo/passenger (COPAX) ights b. Beware of domestic and regional ights c. Beware of cargo opening hours d. Potential for delay 5. Do the passenger ights operate on the day the shipment of the remains takes place? a. Normally yes, but not always

STAKEHOLDER

PLANNING AND

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REPATRIATION OF

MORTAL REMAINS:

THE PROCESS

Death happens on the ground, at sea, and in the air, and makes no distinction between gender, age,

beliefs, wealth, or political power. It can happen to a businesswoman attending a conference, a roughneck

on an oil rig, or even a newborn or its mother. Medical emergencies happen all the time — heart attack,

stroke, and car accidents — and sometimes lead to death. But they always come at a time that"s least

expected. Some recent examples show the breadth and depth of the unexpected. All are challenging for

the family and the organization.

Legend has it that on his deathbed, the comedian Bob Hope's wife, Dolores asked him, "In what do you

want to be buried?" Hope replied, "Surprise me.